Program summary

Opal Fever

Opal Fever, set in the remote and bizarre opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, reveals that there is a story in almost every hole in the ground, in the second episode on Tuesday February 15 at 8pm.

And there are literally thousands of holes that pockmark the desert floor for miles around.

Tonight's episode follows the Mine Rescue Squad, run by volunteers and often called to rescue injured and trapped miners.

Mine Rescue Squad leader Brian Underwood joined the Mine Rescue Squad 23 years ago after his brother-in-law, Phil Lewis, lost his leg when the cutting head of his tunnelling machine was accidentally switched on by his mining partner, pulling Phil's left foot directly into the rotating blades.

A chilling re-creation of the accident is filmed, with Phil's son, Dillon, playing his father.

We also meet 23-year-old Ilia Katsapouikidis, who came to Coober Pedy to help his grandfather and to give opal mining a try. Although he enjoys the wide, open spaces and freedom of the mining lifestyle, he's very aware of the dangers that lurk on the opal fields.

Then, one day, as Ilia climbs the 36m metal ladder to the surface to get more explosive, a large rock dislodges from the sides of the shaft and crashes onto his head.

The rock punches a hole the size of a fist through his helmet, knocking him to the floor of the shaft. The filmmakers follow the harrowing rescue operation.

Production Details

Opal Fever is a Piper Films Production. Produced and developed in association with ABC TV. Directed by Mike Piper and Corey Piper. Executive produced by Dasha Ross.